past events

Art in All of Us

On June 17th, 2010, Boomerang Yoga Events and William Bennett Gallery presented MANDALA IN ACTION. The yoga benefit challenge was a huge success. The evening started with a performance by Vanessa Trouble and her band, followed by yoga with Stephanie Culen and a gong meditation led by Hari Kaur. We raised over $9,000 to support, in part, the Art in All of Us Curriculum Development Program.

Art in All of Us (AiA) is an organization that promotes tolerance and cultural exchange through art and creativity activities. AiA encourages children and arts curriculums to promote tolerance of cultures around the world, an understanding of differences amongst people and bridges the meaning making of an arts curriculum with the simplicity of humanity and our desire for love, understanding and compassion.

The AiA Curriculum Development Program is about kids teaching kids through their own creativity. Knowledge is richly enhanced by cultural differences and connecting globally. Understanding is the first step to teaching tolerance. We open student's eyes to new cultures, ethnicities, religions, and languages in a way that breaks down stereotypes and discrimination. The artistic portion of the curriculum gives children a voice, empowering them to express their feelings, build their self-esteem, and create a positive future. The program promotes cultural awareness, exploring topics like geography, religion, and ethnicity through interactive activities that foster creativity.

Photos by Chris Markham and Simon Curtis

Special thanks to all of our sponsors:

And specifically:

Gretchen Adams, Richie Altmanshofer, Ellen Bain, Desiree Bandelier, Vanessa Barg, Reisa Brafman, Brownie, Cheryl Checkman, Karen Fontana Chesleigh, Eboni Cooper, Lucy Danziger, Thomas DeGeest, Carol Espel, Briana Fails, Meredith Gonzalez, Kara Hailele-Griffin, Colleen Herman, Ingrid Hobbs, Sierra Jost, Kerry Joyce, Hari Kaur, Bryan Ledford, David Liang, Tracy Matthews, Liselle Mark, Chris Markham, Michael Mutt, Jason Ozone, Jennifer Pesce, Rose Pilato, Caity Ryan, John Sanchez, Len Tobin, Judd Trafalger, Vanessa Trouble, Patricia White, Emily Witt, Laura Varrone, Lynn Yang, Nadia Zaki, Heather Zises, the Board of Directors, Advisory Board, all the volunteers, fundraisers, AiA and everyone who has helped and supported us along the path.

Raffle Prize Winners!

Fresh Gift Basket
Jenn Drag

EILEEN FISHER $250 Gift Certificate
Kara Hailele-Griffin

Calvin Klein Brass Bowl and Votive Set
James Lindenberg and Winnie Lee Fraser

Michael Mut Painting
Hari Kaur

Pair of Nike Sneakers, Angel Feet Reflexology Gift Certificate and 4 NYCE Wheels Day Bike Rentals
Revelle Clarke-Avignant

6-month Yoga Works Membership and 2 Black Eight Circle Unitards
Karen Bellantoni

Lululemon Yoga Mat and Bag and Water Container and 10-Class Pack of Core Fusion or Yoga Classes from Exhale
Katie Kapoor

Men's and Women's Necklaces Jewelry by One Meaning
Revelle Clarke-Avignant

Betty's Surf and Yoga Camp Golden Ticket to Canoa, Ecuador
Roberta Braga

Bent on Learning

On Sunday, September 20th, Boomerang Yoga premiered as an official 501(c) (3) and hosted a Sun Salute-a-Thon to benefit Bent on Learning and celebrate Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project. Bent on Learning offers instruction in yoga and meditation to students in grades K through 12 in New York City public schools and youth centers. The Global Mala Yoga for Peace Project unites Yoga, Service, and Collective Consciousness. The purpose of the Global Mala is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacredcycle of 108 on the Fall Equinox as the yoga world's offering to further the UN International Peace Day. Many volunteers, teachers, yogis, sponsors, donors and participants came together to make this event a loving success! The result of this dedication and work will positively impact and support children's lives through yoga, health and self-awareness.

Butterfly Dreams

That same year Natasha Augoustopoulos, Derek Beres and Stephanie Culen led the group through a Halloween themed event at Equinox Fitness. The Triple, Trick or Treat yoga event supported Butterfly Dreams Therapeutic Riding Program and Morley Morley played acoustic guitar and sang during final relaxation of the yoga practice.

Children for Children

In November 2007, Natasha, Derek and Stephanie returned to Equinox Fitness for Giving Thanks ABC Yoga. Proceeds from this event supported Children for Children. Michelle Dortignac, creator of Unnata® Aerial Yoga, performed for the participants during the reception.

Association to Benefit Children

The next Boomerang Yoga event was held in Central Park on Sunday, September 17th, 2006. A great group gathered for an afternoon of yoga with Lisa Langer of Central Park Yoga and Stephanie Culen to benefit the Association to Benefit Children. Sandhi Ferreria performed a yoga hoop dance and participants joined in the action!

National Alliance for Autism Research, Bronx Chapter

The first Boomerang Yoga event was hosted by IronFlower Divine Fitness on Thursday, May 4th, 2006. We began the evening with a talk on Cannon Wisdom and a Tai-Ji demonstration led by Shifu Taho followed by an inspiring performance of African Dance and Drum. Stephanie Culen led guests through a yoga class designed for all levels of practice. Accompanied by both live instruments and DJ Derek Beres, it was a beautiful evening of surprises. Proceeds from this event supported The National Alliance for Autism Research, Bronx Chapter.